Loop Trolley Gets Green Light From University City

UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. (KMOX) – Construction can now begin on the Loop Trolley project.

The University City City Council unanimously voted to give a conditional use permit to the Loop Trolley Company at Monday night’s meeting.

Though the plan had been discussed for years, only three people spoke at the meeting and there were scant comments from council members.

Councilman Steven Kraft said he thought he would see a bigger turnout at the meeting and, despite some concerns he had with the plan originally, he voted yes. He said the main reason he voted in favor was because no city dollars were going to the project, and if it fails, the city will not be forced have to pay to have the trolley removed.

“As a person, I don’t know if this is financially viable, but as a councilman, my concerns have been addressed,” he said.

University City Mayor Shelley Welsch was more optimistic. She says the trolley will likely spur economic growth in the area, especially if a high-speed internet cable is embedded in the trolley trench.

“I think it’s going to make the Loop from University City into the city of St. Louis a place where young, entrepreneurial businesses want to be,” she said.

The council also voted on hours of operation for the trolley. It will run from 9 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. daily.